Armengol sees the Balearics as benchmark for smart islands

President Armengol, among others, at the opening of the Smart Island World Congress.

The second Smart Island World Congress started in Magalluf yesterday and will conclude today. The congress brings together some one hundred representatives from islands across the globe and over ninety speakers and heads of research at universities, from governments and international organisations. Issues under consideration include smart and sustainable tourism, social welfare, cultural heritage, seasonality, business incubation, mobile connectivity, climate change and resilience, and energy and waste management.

Opening the congress, President Armengol thanked the organisers for an event at which intelligent solutions will be proposed for challenges common to islands and which will draw on present experience in Majorca and on the future. Armengol said that islands have both weaknesses and potential and that by discussing these themes, shared experiences will enable means for "enriching improvement".

The president stressed the need for a commitment to innovation and technology in order to create better societies and to improve education, health, social services and transport. She added that the Balearic Islands wish to be a "benchmark for sustainability and smart growth" and pointed to efforts made by business and by government in adopting a focus on "quality over quantity" and in introducing initiatives such as the sustainable tourism tax.

Armengol noted that the Balearics are to the fore in Spain and Europe in regulating the number of vehicles going onto Formentera and in planning to create completely clean energy by 2050.

Among islands represented are the Cook Islands, Zanzibar, Mauritius, Cape Verde and, in the Mediterranean, Hvar (Croatia), Corsica and certain Greek islands, one of which - Tilos - is the first island in the Mediterranean to use totally renewable energy.

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Henry James / Hace about 1 year

RBMM / Hace about 1 year

If I've understood it correctly Armengol can't change the sun tax as it is a decision of Rajoy and PP (http://www.abacoadvisers.com/spain-explained/life-in-spain/news/rise-and-fall-solar-energy-in-spain). But it should be changed as soon as possible.

Steve Riches / Hace about 1 year

Richard / Hace about 1 year

Agree with both posts below. Another poster recently told us that the so-called sun tax was being repealed, but I have seen no official announcement. In any case, my builder tells me that it is rarely enforced anyway. I’d be very interested in other opinions on this one. Overall, though, the incompetence of the local government always shines through (forgIve the pun). E.g so called commitment to electric cars, which would naturally be a part of any smart island concept. They know nothing about EV or charging infrastructure or the investment needed for this. It’s all political grandstanding as usual. Before applying their tiny minds to smart island ideas, they should concentrate on the basics (we all know...mugging, holiday lets, etc). And Steve, if you are reading this, echoing my post on the potential ATC strikes, this is another one where campaigning journalism could make a difference but like the hoteliers, the media are also in government pockets...

Theresa Young / Hace about 1 year

So ECO - blocking and charging persons who wish to install Solar Polars. This is a CRIME against the world. The entire island should rely on the sun for its electricity . This is the greed and Cartel of Endesa.